What to wear to a wedding in Hoi An

Start with the invitation

Check the dress code and the venue before anything else. A beach ceremony at sunset needs a very different outfit from a formal evening reception in a hotel ballroom. If the invitation says nothing, ask the couple; it's better than guessing.

For women: dresses and jumpsuits

Beach and garden weddings. Choose light, flowing shapes in colours that look good in natural light. A halter neckline or thin straps keeps you cool. Bring flat or wedge sandals: heels sink into sand and grass. Styles: Terracotta Flowing Occasion Dress, Forest Green Asymmetric Dress, Sage Ruched Slit Midi Dress.

Evening receptions. Go longer and richer in colour. Navy, emerald and midnight blue are elegant without competing with the bride. Styles: Navy Halter Pleated Maxi Dress, Midnight Blue Side-Slit Gown, Emerald V-Neck Full-Skirt Gown.

Something different. A dressy jumpsuit or a trouser suit is just as appropriate as a dress, and easier to dance in. Styles: Mauve Ruffle Wide-Leg Jumpsuit, Navy Women’s Trouser Suit, Deep Teal Three-Piece Women’s Suit.

For men: suits, waistcoats and jackets

Daytime and outdoor weddings. Light grey is the best suit colour for the heat and for daylight photos. If a full suit is too warm, a waistcoat with a shirt and trousers looks dressed-up without the jacket. Styles: Light Grey Two-Button Suit, Slate Grey Tailored Waistcoat, Grey Checked Tailored Suit.

Evening and formal weddings. Navy and charcoal are the safe, classic choices. A three-piece lets you take the jacket off once the dancing starts and still look smart. Styles: Navy Three-Piece Classic Suit, Charcoal Three-Piece Suit, Midnight Navy Formal Suit.

Colours: what to wear and what to avoid

• Avoid white, ivory and champagne unless the couple say otherwise; they can look bridal in photos.
• Rich jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire and burgundy photograph beautifully at sunset and under lanterns.
• Earthy colours like terracotta, sage and cinnamon suit beach and garden settings.
• If the wedding follows Vietnamese traditions, red is often associated with good luck and is usually welcome, but check with the couple.

Comfort in the heat

• Choose a breathable fabric and discuss it with your tailor if you're having the outfit made.
• Give yourself room to move: you'll sit, stand and dance.
• Bring a light layer for air-conditioned rooms.
• If you're having your outfit made in Hoi An, plan the fittings around the wedding date and tell the shop the date at your first visit. Bao An Tailor's wedding tailoring guide explains how to plan this.

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